The Mariner's Blog

Amendments were adopted for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) in May 2011 to reduce the liklihood of accidents during lifeboat launching. Those amendments have taken effect as of January 1, 2013.

In July 2011, amendments were adopted for the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to require more engery efficiency, reduced emissions, and raised standards for the handling of sewage and garbage. Those amendments have taken effect as of January 1, 2013.

IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted resolution MSC.328(90), which finalized Amendment 36 to the IMDG Code. There are new UN Numbers up to 3506 and some new packing instructions, as well as many detailed changes to the chapters and the Dangerous Goods List entries. The most significant changes are summarized here.

IMO will soon be publishing the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code and Supplement, 2012 Edition, incorporating Amendment 01-11 (IMSBC Code 2012). This update to the original IMSBC Code 2009 is already available for use, in spite of the lack of a published hardcopy. IMSBC Code 2012 will replace IMSBC Code 2009 starting in 2013 when the IMSBC Code 2009 expires. Click through for a summary of what the IMSBC Code is, what's changed, and what's in store.

IMO has published Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species (Ships' Biofouling), 2012 Edition. Read on to learn about the purpose of these guidelines and the biofouling they're meant to prevent.

IMO has just released a new publication: the Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code, 2012. Read on to learn more about it.

IMO has just finalized the Code of Safe Practice for Ships carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 (2011 TDC Code), which replaces the previous edition published in 1991. Click through to learn about the changes.

IMO has just published the International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures (FTP Code), 2010 Edition, which replaces the previous edition published in 1998. Here's what's new...

IMO has just published the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC), 2012 Edition, which replaces the previous edition published in 1996. Read on to learn what's changed.

IMO has just published Procedures for Port State Control, 2012 Edition, which replaces the previous edition published in 2000. Read on to learn what Port State Control is for, what has changed in this new edition, and when it will be available.